List of Jewish American singers and songwriters - Metapedia List of Jewish American singers and songwriters From Metapedia Music Singers and songwriters Paula Abdul , singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, dancer, and choreographer; main choreographer of the Jacksons, Janet Jackson, and films Coming to America, Action Jackson, Jerry Maguire, The Running Man, American Beauty, Oliver Stone's The Doors, and the giant keyboard scene involving Tom Hanks’ character in Big. The Adolescents , predominantly Jewish hardcore punk band led by Tony Cadena (real name Anthony Brandenburg). Agent Orange , predominantly Jewish punk rock band led by Jewish frontman and songwriter Mike Palm. Herb Alpert , composer, songwriter, lead singer, and horn player with Tijuana Brass , whose musical accomplishments include 5 number one hits, 28 albums on the Billboard charts, 8 Grammy Awards, 14 Platinum albums, and 15 Gold albums, and who as of 1996 had sold 72 million albums, as well as written Baby Talk, Wonderful World, and Alley-Oop. Sean Altman , founder and lead singer of singing group Rockapella .

The Ames Brothers , all-Jewish singing quartet, consisting of Joe Ames , Gene Ames, Vic Ames, and Ed Ames (real names Urick) Anthrax , thrash metal band w/strong Jewish membership that includes founding members, guitarists, and songwriters Scott Ian (guitarist, songwriter), Dan Lilker (lead guitarist, songwriter), and Dan Spitz (lead guitarist, songwriter) Asleep at the Wheel , predominantly Jewish Country/Western Swing band, have won 9 Grammy Awards, released more than 20 studio albums, and charted more than 20 singles on the Billboard country charts.

Both main members Ray Benson (lead singer, lead guitarist, songwriter, producer), Lucky Oceans (pedal steel guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, real name Reuben Gosfield ) are Jewish Harold Arlen , singer, composer, songwriter, and musician Kenneth Ascher , musician (keyboards), singer, songwriter, and musical arranger Babes in Toyland , early female grunge band w/predominantly Jewish membership including Kat Bjelland (electric guitar, lead vocals), Maureen Herman (bass, vocals) Burt Bacharach , musician, songwriter, singer, musical arranger, producer, pianist Bad Religion , rock band with predominantly Jewish membership that includes Brett Gurewitz (lead guitarist, songwriter, founding member), Greg Graffin (lead singer), Greg Hetson (lead guitarist, songwriter), Lucky Lehrer (voted the "best punk drummer of all-time" by fanzine, Flipside), Jay Ziskrout , Brooks Wackerman , Davy Goldman, Pete Finestone and Bobby Schayer .

Marty Balin , (real name Martyn Buchwald), lead singer and songwriter for Jefferson Airplane Jeff Barry (real name Joel Adelberg), Tin Pan Alley and Songwriters Hall of Fame songwriter, singer, and record producer, who created many pop standards, and who also sometimes teamed up with fellow Jewish songwriter Cynthia Weil . Len Barry (real name Leonard Borisoff), lead singer, songwriter and musician who influenced artists including John Lennon; a founding member of the predominantly Jewish '60s rock pioneering band The Dovells The Barry Sisters (Claire and Minnie Bagelman), Yiddish jazz singers in the 1940s–60s and who sang Yiddish songs, jazz, and popular recordings in Yiddish , and also recorded with other Jewish singers such as Barbra Streisand and chazan ( Cantor ); Moishe Oysher Beastie Boys , all-Jewish NY rap/rock band consisting of Jewish members Michael Diamond , Adam Yauch , and Adam Horovitz .

Leonard Bernstein , eclectic classical composer whose legacy includes poignant explicitly Jewish themed compositions, as well as a composer of works such as West Side Story , Candide , and On the Town Michael Bolton , singer and songwriter Mike Bloomfield , lead guitar, composer, and musician, who became one of the first music stars of the 1960s to earn his reputation entirely on his instrumental prowess. The Blues Project , all-Jewish, "psychedelic rock pioneering jam band". Bratmobile , first-generation Riot Grrrl band that has a predominantly Jewish membership including Allison Wolfe (lead singer, songwriter), Molly Neuman David Bromberg , guitar virtuoso and singer-songwriter who has a eclectic style, playing bluegrass, blues, folk, jazz, country and western, and rock & roll equally well. Nominated for a Grammy in 2008. Carrie Brownstein , musician, actress, and music blogger; lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter in the Portland, Oregon-based indie rock band Sleater-Kinney , and also of Excuse 17 . Randy California , (real name Randy Craig Wolfe), lead singer, lead guitarist, and principal songwriter of the rock band Spirit . He died while saving his son from drowning.

Shlomo Carlebach , prolific singer-songwriter; was also a Jewish religious teacher, composer, and known as "The Singing Rabbi". Although his roots lay in traditional Orthodox yeshivot, he branched out to create his own movement combining Hasidic-style warmth and personal interaction, public concerts, and song-filled synagogue services. Eric Carmen , singer/songwriter/pianist and leader of Raspberries who wrote and sang the songs All By Myself, Go All the Way, Never Gonna Fall in Love Again. The Cars , predominantly Jewish New Wave rock band, whose Jewish members include Ric Ocasek (singer, rhythm guitarist), Elliot Easton (real name Elliot Steinberg, lead guitarist, singer), Benjamin Orr (real name Benjamin Orzechowski, bass guitar player, vocalist), and Greg Hawkes (keyboardist) Sharon Cheslow , musician, composer, and artist. who 1981, formed Chalk Circle, Washington, D.C.'s first all-female punk band.

[1] She has since become an accomplished artist who works between different mediums Harry Chapin , singer, songwriter, and guitarist, known for folk rock songs such as Taxi , W*O*L*D , and the number-one hit Cat's in the Cradle . Alex Chilton , songwriter, guitarist, singer and producer best known as the leader of the bands Big Star , and Box Tops . Richie Chodes , Leader of the "novelty pop" Elephant 6 based band Kingsauce . Richie sneaks a lot of Yiddish into his songs. Harry Connick, Jr.

, singer/crooner, composer, arranger, and pianist Carol Connors (real name Annette Kleinbard), singer-songwriter and composer; lead singer of the pop vocal trio The Teddy Bears, which also included Phil Specter, and composed songs including Tomorrow Is Another Day, The Journey and Someone's Waiting for You, from the Disney film The Rescuers (with fellow Jewish songwriter Sammy Fain ), and the 1960s hit "Hey Little Cobra" Aaron Copland , composer known as "the dean of American composers" and an accomplished pianist; was instrumental in forging a distinctly American style of composition Country Joe and the Fish , the quintessential anti-Vietnam protest rock band, has a predominantly Jewish membership; performed at Woodstock Chris Cornell , lead singer/songwriter of the era-defining alternative rock band Soundgarden and also of Audioslave , who is known for his distinctive high octave range voice as well as for his songwriting Dick Dale , surf-rock guitarist, known as "The King Of The Surf Guitar".

Glenn Danzig , singer, songwriter, musician, and entrepreneur, who is the founder of the bands the Misfits , Samhain , and Danzig Joe Dassin , American/French singer-songwriter and composer. Born to devout Jewish parents (his father was the film noir director and Yiddish theatre actor Jules Dassin ) Hal David , musician and Burt Bacharach 's writing partner Taylor Dayne , 1980s singer, songwriter, dance artist, actress Neil Diamond , singer, guitarist, and songwriter, of Sweet Caroline . He worked in the Brill Building and wrote all his own songs, as well as many songs for others such as I'm a Believer for The Monkees . Sometimes called “The Jewish Elvis”. The Dictators , all-Jewish proto-punk pioneering band whose Jewish members include bassist/vocalist Andy Shernoff , lead guitarist Ross "The Boss" Friedman (who is also a founding member of the heavy metal band Manowar ), lead singer Handsome Dick Manitoba (real name Richard Blum), rhythm guitarist Scott Kempner , and drummer Stu Boy King.

They were "one of the very first (if not the actual first) punk bands in history, and they subsequently invented the infamous punk rock sound/genre." Ani Difranco , Grammy Award-winning singer, guitarist, and songwriter, who released over 20 albums David Draiman , lead singer and principal songwriter for the alternative metal band Disturbed Dream Theater , progressive rock band whose Jewish members include Mike Portnoy and Jordan Rudess Adam Duritz , Lead Singer and main songwriter for the alternative band Counting Crows Bob Dylan , (real name Robert Zimmerman),singer, songwriter who revolutionized folk music with songs like Blowin' in the Wind and Like a Rolling Stone Jakob Dylan , Bob Dylan’s son, lead singer, songwriter of the predominantly Jewish Grammy Award winning rock band The Wallflowers Elliot Easton , (real name Elliot Steinberg), lead guitarist, songwriter, vocalist with the band The Cars The Electric Prunes , experimental predominantly Jewish "psychedelic rock pioneering band", who laid the groundwork for psychedelic and experimental rock music, which earned them their status as an innovative cult band.

Charles Fox , prolific Hall Of Fame composer/songwriter who wrote the song " Killing Me Softly with His Song " and the dramatic theme music of Wide World of Sports . Ace Frehley , lead guitarist best known as an original member and lead guitarist for the rock band Kiss, who has inspired numerous up-and-coming rockers to pick up the guitar in the 1970s, and come the '90s, was listed by just about every contemporary rock guitarist (Soundgarden's Kim Thayil, Pearl Jam's Mike McCready, Pantera's Dimebag Darrell, and so on) as an important influence David Freiberg , lead vocalist, songwriter, and bass guitar player with Quicksilver Messenger Service , Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship Kinky Friedman , singer, songwriter, novelist, humorist, politician and former columnist for the Texas Monthly. He once lead a band called the Texas Jewboys The Fugs , The first underground/indie band, has a predominantly Jewish membership which includes main members Tuli Kupferberg , Ed Sanders , Peter Stampfel and Steve Weber.

They invented the notion of the now infamous DIY (Do it yourself) underground sensibility in rock, that directly or indirectly influenced every punk, indie or art-rock band that came after them Art Garfunkel , part of the biggest-selling music duo in history with Jewish friend Paul Simon George Gershwin , quintessential 20th century classical composer who created a style of Klezmer (Jewish art music) influenced classical music through such works as Rhapsody in Blue . As well as a composer of popular songs (with his brother Ira Gershwin ) such as " Summertime " and " Someone to Watch Over Me ". Georgia Gibbs , (real name Freda Lipschitz), singer, Dance With Me Henry (Wallflower) and Kiss of Fire. Michael Gira , lead singer, principal songwriter of the goth rock band Swans Godspeed You!

Black Emperor , predominantly Jewish membership including Efrim Menuck (also of the band A Silver Mt Zion ), * Thierry Amar (who also participates with Black Ox Orkestar, a Yiddish folk band), Aidan Girt , and Thea Pratt Benny Goodman , jazz and Klezmer musician, composer, clarinetist and bandleader, known as "King of Swing", "Patriarch of the Clarinet", "The Professor", and "Swing's Senior Statesman" Steve Goodman , singer/songwriter, lyricist, and guitarist, who, despite suffering from Leukemia his entire career and his early death, became influential artist, with songs covered by many artists Eydie Gormé , singer and performer with Jewish husband Steve Lawrence Jarrod Gorbel Lead singer of The Honorary Title Lesley Gore , (real name Lesley Sue Goldstein), singer-songwriter of the "girl group era".

Had her first hit with It's My Party at age 16 and became recognized teen pop singer and sex symbol of the 1960s, and was influential on riot-grrrl bands including fellow Jewish singer-songwriter Kathleen Hanna Adam Goren lead singer, songwriter, musician best known as the sole member of the synth punk band Atom and His Package Norman Greenbaum , wrote and sang Spirit in the Sky Howard Greenfield , Grammy Award -winning Tin Pan Alley and Songwriters Hall of Fame singer, songwriter, and lyricist, who wrote many pop standards. David Grisman , bluegrass/newgrass mandolin virtuoso and composer of acoustic music. Guns N' Roses , Jewish members include Ron Thal aka "Bumblefoot" (lead guitarist, songwriter, producer), and Steven Adler (songwriter, drummer). Arlo Guthrie , singer-songwriter who often sings songs of protest against social injustice. Marvin Hamlisch , prolific songwriter, a child prodigy, and is together with fellow Jewish composer Richard Rodgers "the only individual to have been awarded an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, a Tony, and a Pulitzer Prize".

His songs include Nobody Does it Better and The Way We Were Kathleen Hanna , lead singer/songwriter of the punk band Bikini Kill , founder of the infamous Riot grrrl movement, and leader of the dance-punk band Le Tigre . Hanna also released a solo album under the name Julie Ruin.

Joe Harnell , composer and arranger, whose father played in a Klezmer band, and who composed the score for The Incredible Hulk including the ballad "The Lonely Man", and who also composed scores for The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation, and V, for which he was awarded an Emmy in 1986 Mickey Hart , drummer for The Grateful Dead Richard Hell , (real name Richard Meyers), songwriter, lead singer, bass-player and Punk rock pioneer, who through his band Richard Hell and the Voidoids defined the Punk sound, attitude, as well as its image of torn clothes and safety pins, which Malcolm Mclaren used for the Sex Pistols Jerry Herman , Songwriters Hall of Fame composer, songwriter, lyricist, and singer, known for his pioneering work in Broadway musical theater, and for composing many pop standards including Hello, Dolly!", one of the most popular tunes ever to have originated in a Broadway musical, and was a #1 hit in the United States for Louis Armstrong , knocking The Beatles from #1. His scores include all the songs to the hit Broadway musicals Milk and Honey , Hello, Dolly!

, Mame , and La Cage aux Folles Kristin Hersh , lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter for the alternative rock band Throwing Muses , and also a solo artist. Al Hoffman , songwriter, musician and member of the Songwriter's Hall Of Fame; a hit songwriter active in the 1930s-1950s, responsible for many number one hits through each decade, many of which are still sung and recorded today.

His songs include all the songs from Disney's Cinderella including "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" and "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" (written with fellow Jewish songwriters Mack David and Jerry Livingston ), and "Mairzy Doats" and were recorded by almost every star of that era including Frank Sinatra ("Close To You", "I'm Gonna Live Until I Die"), Billy Eckstine ("I Apologize") Perry Como ("Papa Loves Mambo", "Hot Diggity"), Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong ("Who Walks In When I Walk Out") Susanna Hoffs , lead singer/songwriter for The Bangles , and songwriter of their hit "Eternal Flame" James Horner , composer and conductor of orchestral and film music. He is noted for the integration of choral and electronic elements in many of his film scores, and has won two Academy Awards for his score and song compositions for the film Titanic in 1997, which includes My Heart Will Go On.

His other scores include An American Tail (1986), The Land Before Time (1988), Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), Casper (1995). Aliens (1986, earning his first Academy Award nomination), A Beautiful Mind Lux Interior (real name Erick Lee Purkhiser), lead singer, songwriter, and founding member of the garage punk band The Cramps , (from 1976 until his death in February 2009), who are recognized as innovators of the "psychobilly/gothabilly" genre, as well as "garage punk" and "horror punk". Jane's Addiction , Alternative rock band with strong Jewish membership that includes Perry Farrell (lead singer/songwriter), Eric Avery (bass), and Stephen Perkins (drums).

Janis Ian , female singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and science fiction author who had a successful career throughout the 1960s and 1970s as a singer and songwriter, and who in 1975 won a Grammy Award for her song At Seventeen Jefferson Airplane , psychedelic folk rock band, has a predominantly Jewish membership that includes Marty Balin (lead singer), Jorma Kaukonen (lead guitarist), Paul Kantner (bass player), Jack Casady (guitarist, bass player), Spencer Dryden (drummer), David Freiberg (vocalist bass player) The Jesus Lizard , predominantly Jewish alternative indie rock band, whose Jewish members include David Yow (lead singer, also a founding member of noise rock band Scratch Acid ), Duane Denison (lead guitarist), David Wm. Sims (bass guitar player, also a founding member of noise rock band Scratch Acid ), and Mac McNeilly (drummer). The J. Geils Band , Nearly all Jewish (except for J. Geils) rock band whose Jewish members include Peter Wolf , Stephen Bladd, Magic Dick , Seth Justman , and Danny Klein. Sometimes called "The Jewish Rolling Stones".

Billy Joel , singer, songwriter known for his many #1 hits (aka The Piano Man) Eric Johnson , guitarist, singer and songwriter and pianist, who regularly incorporates jazz, fusion, New Age, and country and western elements into his recordings. Kitty Kallen , big band singer of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s John Kander , composer, singer, and songwriter who together with Jewish lyricist Fred Ebb wrote all the songs to the frequently revived musicals Cabaret , Chicago , Woman of the Year , Kiss of the Spider Woman . Jerome Kern , composer/songwriter, and one of the "main pioneers of the modern musical theatre art form", whose songs include such classics as Ol' Man River, Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man, A Fine Romance, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, All the Things You Are, The Way You Look Tonight, and Who?

a 6-week number 1 hit for George Olsen & his Orchestra in 1925 Carole King (real name Carole Klein), female singer-songwriter who wrote the most #1 hits of all the writers from the Brill Building and her chart topping solo album Tapestry , and songs ranging from classic standards such as " You've Got a Friend ", to early 1960s dance songs such as " the Loco-Motion " Gershon Kingsley (real name Götz Gustav Ksinski), pop composer and musician; a " major pioneer of electronic music", and composed the "first ever electronic pop instrumental song"; Popcorn Kiss , rock band with Jewish main members that include Paul Stanley (lead vocals, guitarist), Gene Simmons (lead vocals, bassist), Ace Frehley (lead guitarist), Bruce Kulick (lead guitarist), and Eric Singer (drummer) Kittie , metal band with a predominantly Jewish membership that includes Morgan Lander (lead singer, songwriter, guitarist, founding member), Mercedes Lander (drummer, vocalist, founding member), Talena Atfield , and Lisa Marx The Klezmatics , all-Jewish Grammy Award winning neo- klezmer music group, who have achieved fame singing in several languages

, most notably mixing older Yiddish tunes with other types of more contemporary music, whose Jewish members include composers Matt Darriau , wind instruments, and Frank London , on trumpet, Paul Morrissett playing bass and tsimbl cimbalom, vocalist Lorin Sklamberg on accordion, and Lisa Gutkin on violin, David Licht on drums, Alicia Svigals on violin, David Krakauer , Margot Leverett , and Kurt Bjorling on the clarinet, and who have also collaborated with Israeli violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman The Knack , all-Jewish quirky yet sophisticated New-Wave band, who were years ahead of their time Al Kooper , songwriter, lead singer, lead guitarist, producer Joey Kramer , drummer, back-up singer for Aerosmith Robby Krieger , Lead guitarist, and songwriter of The Doors who wrote some their songs including the hits such as Light My Fire" and Wishful Sinful" Adam Lambert , singer, songwriter and actor Anton Lavey , founder and High Priest of the Church of Satan, author of The Satanic Bible , occultist, musician, composer, organ virtuoso, lead vocalist who recorded several albums Blackie Lawless , lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter

 of the band W.A.S.P.

, who has become notorious for his live performances, controversial album covers and lyrics. Steve Lawrence , singer who performs with his Jewish wife Eydie Gorme . Appeared often on the Carol Burnett Show Geddy Lee , Canadian lead singer, bassist, keyboardist, and chief songwriter for the progressive rock band Rush . He was born Gary Lee Weinrib and is the son of Jewish Holocaust survivors. His stage name, Geddy, was inspired by his mother's heavily-accented Yiddish pronunciation of his given first name, Gary. Jerry Leiber , Hall of fame songwriter from the Brill Building who, together with Jewish friend Mike Stoller became influential songwriter and music producer in post-World War II popular music, and wrote defining songs for Elvis and others, including Stand By Me, Hound Dog, Loving You,Don't, Young Blood, Jailhouse Rock, Searchin, Yakety Yak. Their music had a tremendous influence on both John Lennon's and Paul McCartney's songwriting.

Courtney Love , singer and songwriter [1] James Lowe , lead singer, songwriter, and autoharp player for the psychedelic rock pioneers The Electric Prunes Gary Lucas , Grammy-nominated guitar player, lead singer, and songwriter; described as "one of the best and most original guitarists in America" and "the most innovative and challenging guitarists playing today." Barry Mann (real name Barry Imberman), prolific singer-songwriter who led a double career as both a singer and as a songwriter/composer who wrote many era defining songs, and who has received 56 pop, country, and R&B awards from BMI and 46 Millionaire Awards for radio performances numbering over 1 million plays. He wrote "You've Lost That Loving Feeling", together with fellow Jewish songwriters Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector , which was the most played song of the 20th century with more than 14 million plays. Herbie Mann (real name "Herbert Jay Soloman"), jazz/funk flautist who recorded during 1950s–90s. Played with Ron Carter, Cissy Houston, Duane Allman and Roy Ayers.

J Mascis , lead singer, lead guitarist and songwriter for the indie rock band Dinosaur Jr. ; also a founding member of and drummer for the band Witch, and has produced records and composed film scores Stephin Merritt , principal singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist of the indie pop band The Magnetic Fields Linda McCartney , married Paul McCartney and was a keyboard player and vocalist for his band Wings The Mamas & the Papas , vocal group of the 1960s, with a predominatly Jewish membership including John Phillips , Michelle Phillips , and Cass Elliot , who have had many hit singles including California Dreamin' They have sold nearly 40 million records worldwide.

Jeff Mangum , lead singer and main songwriter of the indie rock band Neutral Milk Hotel Barry Manilow , singer/songwriter/pianist who writes pop songs, that include Mandy and I Write the Songs, "Copacabana" Handsome Dick Manitoba (real name Richard Blum), punk rock pioneer; frontman for NYC punk originators, The Dictators Johnny Marks , composer and lyricist of Christmas songs like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer , Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree and A Holly Jolly Christmas Richard Marx , pop/rock singer, songwriter, and record producer, who placed himself in the record books by being the first solo artist to have his first seven singles hit the Top 5 on the US charts, and whose hit songs include " Endless Summer Nights ", "Right Here Waiting", "Now and Forever", and "Hazard" Abel Meeropol composer/songwriter and lyricist who wrote the music and lyrics to the quintessential anti-racism song Strange Fruit Megadeth seminal Thrash metal band with important Jewish members Dave Mustaine (lead singer/guitarist/songwriter), and Marty Friedman (lead guitarist) Randy Meisner , bass guitar player, lead singer and songwriter best known as a founding

 member of the rock group Eagles .

Alan Menken , musical theatre, film composer and pianist, who has won eight Academy Awards as well as ten additional nominations. His compositions include Little Shop of Horrors (Oscar Nominee), The Little Mermaid (Oscar Winner), Beauty and the Beast (Oscar Winner), Newsies , Aladdin (Oscar Winner) (1992), A Christmas Carol (1994 Broadway musical and 2004 TV movie), Pocahontas (Oscar Winner) (1995), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 and 1999 German musical), Hercules (Oscar Nominee) (1997) Idina Menzel , Tony Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, known for originating the roles of Maureen in Rent and Elphaba in Wicked.

James Mercer , lead singer and chief songwriter of the indie pop band The Shins Bette Midler , singer of The Rose and Wind Beneath My Wings The Dead Milkmen , predominantly Jewish satirical punk band whose Jewish members include Joe Genaro ("Joe Jack Talcum"; guitar, vocals), Rodney Linderman ("Rodney Anonymous"; vocals, synth), Dave Schulthise ("ave Blood"; bass), Dean Sabatino ("Dean Clean"; drums), and who are known from such songs as their indie Punk anthem Punk Rock Girl Randy Newman , prolific singer/songwriter, arranger, composer, and pianist who is notable for his mordant, satirical, and often melodically sophisticated pop songs, as well for many film scores (such as the Toy Story soundtrack). Songs include Short People , I Love L.A. , Rednecks , Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear , You've Got a Friend in Me .

Juice Newton (real name Judith Kay Cohen), pop and country music singer, songwriter and guitarist, who has received five Grammy Award nominations in the Pop and Country Best Female Vocalist categories (winning once in 1983), as well as a CMA Award for Best New Female Artist and two Billboard Female Album Artist of the Year awards (won consecutively), and who has several Gold and Platinum records to her credit New York Dolls , pioneering Protopunk band that has a predominantly Jewish membership including David Johansen , Sylvain Sylvain , Arthur Kane , Jerry Nolan , Blackie Lawless , whose style helped lay the groundwork for the Punk sound as well as its image NOFX , punk rock band whose Jewish main members include Fat Mike (lead singer, bassist, songwriter), and Eric Melvin (guitarist/songwriter/lead singer). Noodles (real name Kevin Wasserman) lead guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist for Punk band The Offspring Laura Nyro , singer-songwriter Buzz Osborne lead singer/guitarist/songwriter of grunge and sludge rock pioneers The Melvins , who were a strong influence on Nirvana .

Phil Ochs , singer-songwriter, who pioneered the concept of the (later much imitated) indisputable rock 'n' roll suicide, by hanging himself. Patti Smith Group punk band whose Jewish members include Lenny Kaye (lead guitarist and chief songwriter), Richard Sohl (pianist and songwriter) Phish , jam band that has a strong Jewish membership, and embraces its roots by playing "Yerushalayim Shel Zhahav" by Israeli songwriter Naomi Shemer also known as "The First Lady of Israeli song", and "Avenu Malkenu" (another Hebrew song) in concert. Pink , singer and songwriter Robert Pollard , lead singer and prolific main songwriter of the indie rock band Guided by Voices that helped pioneer the lo-fi music genre. Buck Ram , songwriter and popular music producer, arranger, saxophone player, and pianist. It has been written that the history of rock and roll could not be written without Buck Ram's contributions (which include the defining hits he wrote for The Platters ). He was one of BMI's top five songwriters/air play in its first 50 years.

He was also one of the many Jewish songwriters that contributed to the Christmas song cataogue by writing the song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" with fellow Jewish songwriters Walter Kent , and Kim Gannon Joey Ramone , lead singer and songwriter of punk rock pioneers the Ramones , whose songs include I Wanna Be Sedated and Rock 'n' roll High School. Reagan Youth , predominantly Jewish progressive peace punk band, who pioneered the concept of artsy and intricate guitar work within a punk context, and who often utilized Ku Klux Klan and National Socialist Party imagery for satirical effect, despite the irony of both of lead singer/chief songwriter Dave Rubinstein ’s parents being Jewish Holocaust survivors. Lou Reed , lead singer, composer, lyricist, often imitated guitarist who with his band The Velvet Underground broke down many taboo barriers of what was possible or acceptable in rock music, both musically and lyrically, and thereby laid down the groundwork of all modern indie or DIY (Do it yourself) music.

His songs include the anthemic " Perfect Day ", " Venus in Furs ", " Pale Blue Eyes ", " Candy Says ", " Femme Fatale ", " Stephanie Says ", " Sister Ray ", and " Walk on the Wild Side " REO Speedwagon , predominantly Jewish melodic rock band from the 1970s and 1980s David Roback , lead guitarist and main songwriter of the psychedelic folk band Mazzy Star . Robbie Robertson (real name Jaime Robert Klegerman), Canadian singer-songwriter, lead guitar player, and pianist of The Band Richard Rodgers , composer and songwriter of musical theatre and popular music. He wrote more than 1,500 songs, 40 musicals, and various TV and film music, including all the songs for The Sound of Music , Carousel , South Pacific , The King and I , and Oklahoma!

, including the songs " My Favorite Things ", " You'll Never Walk Alone ", " My Funny Valentine ", " Oh What a Beautiful Morning ", " Blue Moon ", " People Will Say We're in Love ", " If I Loved You ", " It Might as Well Be Spring ", " Some Enchanted Evening ", " Getting to Know You ", " The Sound Of Music , " Sixteen Going On Seventeen ", " Climb Ev'ry Mountain ", " Do-Re-Mi ", and " Edelweiss ". Buddy Rich , jazz drummer and bandleader; billed as "the world's greatest drummer". Natalia Paruz , aka the 'Saw Lady', whose career spans from Carnegie Hall to the NYC subway (where she could be heard playing Israeli songs on the musical saw since the mid 1990's to the present). Founder/director of the annual NYC Musical Saw Festival.

Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers , Protopunk band, that was involved in early aspects of Punk, New Wave and Indie rock music, led by Jewish members Jonathan Richman (authentic lead singer, principal songwriter, and guitarist) and Ernie Brooks (bassist) David Lee Roth , lead singer and principal songwriter of both the music and lyrics of Van Halen , as well as a successful and solo artist Melanie Safka (real name Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk), usually known professionally as Melanie, is a singer-songwriter who performed at Woodstock and whose songs include the hits " Brand New Key ", "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)", "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma", and "Beautiful People". She has sold more than 25 million records. Greg Sage , principal songwriter, idiosyncratic lead guitarist, and lead vocalist for the Portland, Oregon-based punk rock band Wipers , who were an influence on the grunge movement and on bands such as Nirvana and Sonic Youth. Rachel Sage , singer and songwriter, lead singer, pianist, guitarist, whose style is described as beautifully theatrical.

Mark Sandman , multi-instrumentalist, lead singer, songwriter, of the alternative rock band Morphine . In addition he was also a musical instrument inventor. Walter Scharf , songwriter, composer, singer and orchestrator. Robert Schneider lead singer, guitarist and keyboardist and songwriter of the indie rock band Apples in Stereo Chuck Schuldiner , lead singer, lead guitarist, principal songwriter of the death metal band Death . Regarded as "The Father of Death Metal". Genya Ravan , (real name Genyusha Zelkowitz) early female punk pioneer, lead singer, songwriter, of idiosyncratic punk bands The Escorts, Goldie & the Gingerbreads , and Ten Wheel Drive Troy Sanders (born 1973), singer/bassist for heavy metal band Mastodon Raymond Scott , idiosyncratic composer, band leader, pianist, engineer, recording studio maverick, and electronic instrument inventor; also was a major pioneer of electronic music. His music was used in many of the Warner Bros. cartoons like Looney Tunes , and Merrie Melodies and also in Ren & Stimpy and The Simpsons .

Sebadoh , predominantly Jewish indie rock band that helped pioneer the lo-fi music genre, and whose Jewish members include Lou Barlow , Jason Loewenstein , and Eric Gaffney . Sholom Secunda , Yiddish theatre , Yiddish folk, and opera composer. Neil Sedaka , singer, songwriter, and pianist from the Brill Building who wrote over 1000 songs, and who also sings in Hebrew, and recorded an album of Yiddish songs to express his passion for his Jewish heritage. Sha Na Na , predominantly Jewish rock and roll revival act The Shangri-las , all-Jewish pop girl group of the 1960s whose Jewish members are Mary Weiss , Elizabeth "Betty" Weiss, Marguerite "Marge" Ganser , Mary Ann Ganser , and who charted with often heartbreaking teen melodramas, and are known for "Leader of the Pack" and "Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)" Artie Shaw , (real name Arthur Jacob Arshawsky), jazz and Klezmer clarinetist, composer, and bandleader. Considered to be one of the greatest jazz clarinetists of all time.

Author of fiction and non-fiction writings. Carly Simon , singer, songwriter, pianist, guitarist Paul Simon , singer, songwriter from the biggest-selling duo in music history Simon and Garfunkel , and a solo artist Simon & Garfunkel , Jewish singer-songwriter duo consisting of Jewish members Paul Simon (principal songwriter, lead guitarist and lead singer, arranger) and Art Garfunkel (vocalist, arranger) who were the best-selling duo in history Alex Skolnick , jazz and metal lead guitarist, songwriter; has been a member, lead guitarist, and songwriter of the seminal thrash metal band Testament from its formation in San Francisco in 1983 until his departure in 1992.

Sleater-Kinney , predominantly Jewish "riot-grrrl" band Phoebe Snow , singer, songwriter and guitarist, known for her 1975 hit " Poetry Man ." Social Distortion , predominantly Jewish rock band who were one of the leading bands of the 1980s hardcore punk explosion Sparks , elctro-pop/rock pioneering band that released at least 22 albums, whose main members, Ron Mael (principal songwriter/keyboardist/founding member), Russell Mael (lead singer/songwriter/founding member), Harley Feinstein, and John Mendelssohn are all Jewish. Stephen Sondheim , composer, songwriter, and lyricist of many scores and songs including Sweeney Todd , A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum , Company , Follies , A Little Night Music , Sunday in the Park with George , Assassins . Phil Spector , songwriter, singer, and music producer; influenced The Beatles and the Beach Boys to Bruce Springsteen. Best known for his knack for writing and producing defining pop songs and for his production and songwriting on songs such as "Be My Baby", and his subsequent creation of the often imitated "Wall Of Sound" production technique.

Regina Spektor , a Russian-born American singer-songwriter and pianist. Her music is associated with the anti-folk scene centered on New York City's East Village. Paul Stanley , lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter of Kiss Peter Steele (real name Petrus T. Ratajczyk), lead singer, and bassist for the Goth metal band Type O Negative Steely Dan , both main members, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker , are Jewish. Chris Stein , co-founder, lead guitarist and chief songwriter for punk/new-wave band Blondie ; wrote most of their big hits including "Sunday Girl", "Heart of Glass", "Picture This", "Dreaming", "Island of Lost Souls", "Rapture", "Rip Her to Shreds". He also ran the Animal Records label.

Rachel Stevens – member of S Club 7 Steve Stevens (real name Steve Schneider), lead guitarist and songwriter; won a Grammy in 1987 for his performance on the Top Gun soundtrack; is also known for his solo efforts ("Atomic Playboys" and "Flamenco A Go-Go") and for his work with other artists Mike Stoller , Hall of fame songwriter from the Brill Building who, with Jewish friend Jerry Leiber , wrote defining songs for Elvis and others, including "Stand By Me", "Hound Dog", "Loving You," "Don't", "Young Blood", "Jailhouse Rock", "Searchin", "Yakety Yak". Their music had an influence on both John Lennon's and Paul McCartney's songwriting. Albert Von Tilzer (real name Albert Gumm), early American songwriter, and composer; the younger brother of fellow Jewish songwriter Harry Von Tilzer , composed many hit songs, including the unofficial anthem of baseball; Take Me Out To The Ball Game .

Harry Von Tilzer (real name Harry Gumm), early American songwriter, and composer whose songs include “Only a Bird in a Gilded Cage, "Cubanola Glide", "Wait 'Til The Sun Shines Nellie", "Old King Tut", "All Alone", "Mariutch", "I Love My Wife, But Oh You Kid!", "They Always Pick On Me", "I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl Who Married Dear Old Dad", And The Green Grass Grew All Around. The Tokens , all-Jewish quintessential doo-wop vocal band; known from their songs "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", "Portrait of My Love", "Tonight I fell in Love" Mel Torme , musician, known as The Velvet Fog; wrote over 400 songs including The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).

The Manhattan Transfer , all-Jewish vocal group whose Jewish members include Tim Hauser , Alan Paul , Janis Siegel The Turtles seminal 1960s pop rock band with main Jewish founding members Howard Kaylan (lead singer/songwriter, real name Howard Kaplan) and Mark Volman (guitarist,saxophonist,vocalist); had hits with such songs as the Flower power anthem "Happy Together", and "Elenore". They later transformed themselves into the band Flo and Eddie Twisted Sister , heavy metal band with a predominantly Jewish membership that includes Dee Snider (lead singer, songwriter), Jay Jay French (lead guitarist, songwriter, real name John Segall), Mark Mendoza (bassist, songwriter, real name Mark Glickman) The United States of America , experimental rock and psychedelic band with a predominantly Jewish membership whose works are an example of early electronic music in rock and roll. Tom Verlaine (real name Thomas Miller), singer, songwriter and guitarist, best-known as the frontman for the New York rock band Television .

Veruca Salt , 1990s alternative rock band with a predominantly Jewish membership that includes Nina Gordon (guitarist vocalist, songwriter) Louise Post (guitarist, vocalist, songwriter) and James Shapiro . Diane Warren , country and pop music singer-songwriter, whose songs as of 2006 had received six Academy Award nominations, four Golden Globe nominations, and seven Grammy Award nominations. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001, and her success in the US has been paralleled in the UK, where she has been rated one of the most successful songwriters in singles chart history as well as the third-most-successful female.

The Weavers , pioneering predominantly Jewish folk music quartet; sold millions of records at the height of their popularity; inspired the commercial "folk boom" that followed them in the 1950s and 1960s Ween , eccentric alternative rock band whose Jewish members include Gene Ween (lead singer, main songwriter), and Dave Dreiwitz (bassist, songwriter) Cynthia Weil , Tin Pan Alley and Songwriters Hall of Fame singer and songwriter; writes and sings with her Jewish husband Barry Mann , and with fellow Jewish songwriter Jeff Barry . She became an important writer during the emergence of rock and roll, and continues to write songs for contemporary artists, winning awards including a number of Grammy Awards. Kurt Weill , composer, songwriter and son of Orthodox Jewish parents (his father was a Cantor at the synagogue); one of the leading composers for the stage as well as the concert hall; wrote operettas and songs including The Threepenny Opera , Alabama Song , Mack the Knife , September Song .

His unique and theatrical Jewish cabaret inspired composing style influenced generations of High Art and Low Art songwriters and performers, and many of his compositions have explicit Jewish themes to them in their style, titles, and musical structure, as he remained a devout Orthodox Jew throughout his life. Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson , singer, songwriter daughters of Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson . They formed the group Wilson Phillips with Chynna Phillips . George David Weiss , composer and songwriter and President of the Songwriters Guild of America, whose songs include "What a Wonderful World" (covered by Louis Armstrong), "Can't Help Falling in Love with You" (covered by Elvis Presley), "Let's Put It All Together", "That Sunday, That Summer", "Mr. Wonderful", "Lullaby of Birdland", "Stay with Me". His songs have been recorded by singers including Tom Jones, Mel Tormé, Elvis Presley, Dinah Washington, The Stylistics, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Max Weinberg , drummer of the E Street Band , and as the leader of The Max Weinberg 7 , the house band for Late Night with Conan O'Brien as well as the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien , where the band will become Max Weinberg and the Tonight Show Band. Ben Weinman , principal songwriter and lead guitarist for the band The Dillinger Escape Plan ; the founder and only original member remaining in the band. Leslie West (real name Leslie Weinstein), lead guitarist, lead singer, and songwriter of the band Mountain Peter Wolf , (real name Peter W. Blankfield), lead singer and songwriter for The J. Geils Band , and a solo artist. Steve Wynn , lead singer and main songwriter for alternative band Dream Syndicate . X (American band) , predominantly Jewish first wave punk band whose Jewish members include Exene Cervenka (lead vocals), John Doe (real name John Duchac, bass and vocals), Billy Zoom (real name Tyson Kindell, guitar) and DJ Bonebrake (drums).

Question: Barry Pinkus achieved showbusiness fame under which name?
Answer: BARRY MANILOW